Lkp_rx7

iTrader: (2)

Ok so my problem starts off with letting my girlfriend drive my car. I know ALL of you just said what a dumbass so i am going to continue. I pass her the key to unlock my car, she puts the key in the door and snap. OMFG dude she broke the key off in the door. So i am trying to keep my cool seeing as how i had a spare. (I really wanted to rip her fu***** head off but ........). So now i am stuck having to get in my car through the passenger side door. Tried using a magnet and every other tool in Autozone to get it out. Can i just take the door apart and replace the cylinder and keys? If so does mazda have the exact cylinder so i won't have one for the door and one for the ignition? Idk i need help



Thanks

DavidHolmesIII

Yeah, To Take the panel off and remove door handle..
1.Remove the random screws around the edges, in the arm rest, etc. You'll see them. (a few are in the carpet. Look for slight imperfections)
2.Be gentle with the plastic on the inside door handle.
3.Pry up the window switch and unplug, if its got power windows.
4.Remove panel....
5.Remove plastic sheet
6.Door handle has 2 bolts on the horizontal ends, One you must get with the window up, the other with the window down. (extension needed)(one may be hidden by platic insert, if so remove) also disconnect the wires leading to the handle if the vehicle has an alarm.
7.Remove the lock rod and the handle rod (Hint.. If you press on the bottom of the plastic fittings and push in a counterclockwise direction they will come right off) Its easies to leave the plastic pieces on the rod than to take them off. Handle rod is easiest to remove after pulling the handle out exposing the connection to the door handle.
8.Once handle is removed the lock can be removed from the handle via spring type clamp.

Mazda wont have the exact one, it would be different from your ignition key. However, once the lock is removed you should be able to get the damn thing out of there. Or that seems to be the best shot anyways. If you cant get it out when its free from the vehicle, well then at least your ready to insert a new lock. Win/Win
Good luck.
Ps... while your in there it couldnt hurt to lube the lock with some graphite, and squirt some WD-40 on the handle mechanics...

Lkp_rx7

iTrader: (2)

Thanks dude. Now i have a nice little project for tomorrow.

DavidHolmesIII

No problem. Also I just remembered, the plastic attachment on the lock rod should stay in place and the rod will lift out of that.
So as far as rods/plastic attachments arrangements go,
Lock rod= plastic off rod
Handle rod= plastic stays on rod

This is only for convenience during reassembly. You may have a few minor problems... I did. The plastics old so be as careful as you can.

Your Welcome and good luck.
Thank you for giving me something to do at 3:43 in the morning!!!!

pfsantos

iTrader: (1)

A while back at the local dealer, they had all the little lock pins (more like tabs) that go in the cylinder in little drawers, so even if you get a different cylinder, they may be able to find your lock number through the VIN and pin the new cylinder the same so all keys match.

Having said that, you should be able to get the old key out once you get your cylinder out, even if you have to take it to a locksmith.

Just remembered, you may not even have to remove the handle. If you have access (it's been a while), unscrew the bracket at the back of the lock that goes to the rod mechanism. Then take out the clip that holds the cylinder to the handle.

84stock

iTrader: (5)

Idea? Use a tiny dremel bit to screw into the accessible part of the key, then a "tiny' screw to go in it and see if you can pull it out. Who knows?? Might get lucky.

DavidHolmesIII

Pre-Note.. Not to be a dick but

pfsantos your right you can get to it without taking the handle off, But I wouldnt do that. Getting it back in would be a bigger pain in the *** than you can imagine.The clip that holds the lock only goes on one way, and with no view, little space, and big hands that might be impossible. I know what I told him is the option requiring the most work, but in the long run I feel its the easiest. I promise Im not one of those guys who goes trolling around looking to argue with everyone.